Be A Junior Ranger

Junior Ranger Activity Book Art

MJ Robinson

Junior Rangers are called to explore, learn, and protect. At Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, we have multiple ways to become a Junior Ranger. Whether you are exploring Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI or getting out in nature at Blackstone River State Park, there are many ways to learn, explore, and engage in the history of the Park.

In addition to two Junior Ranger activity sets, visitors can complete activities to earn a Junior Birder badge or a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. Junior Angler Books and badges are also available at Park locations.

Read more about how to complete Junior Ranger activities at our sites below!

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Cover Page, Old Slater Mill Junior Ranger book

Old Slater Mill Junior Ranger Book

If you're visiting Old Slater Mill, you will want to stop by the Visitor Information Station during our hours of operation to pick up your book. At this time, Junior Ranger books and badges are only available while Old Slater Mill is open. If you have a special request or questions, contact Ranger Allison Horrocks.

What To Do

Instead of a square booklet, this program requires some hands-on work and some creativity. Each Junior Ranger will pick up a series of circular papers and everything they need to make a holder. We encourage folks to complete as many of the activity pages as they can during their visit. While exploring the Park, they will have the chance to learn about waterwheels, the water cycle, spinning wheels, gears, time, and more. Junior Rangers will also get to bind their booklets using cord made inside of the mill.

How to Get Your Badge:
After completing the required activity pages, bring your completed booklet and folder to the front desk during operating hours. Show a staff member. The staff member will award you a Junior Ranger Badge.

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Kelly House and the Moon Landing

MJ Robinson

Kelly House and Ashton Mill Junior Ranger Book

The Kelly and Ashton Mill Junior Ranger Booklet is a self-guided adventure around Blackstone River State Park. Aspiring Junior Rangers of all ages are encouraged to pick up a booklet and explore the history and natural beauty of this area. These Junior Ranger activities inspire creativity, reflection, imagination, and stewardship.

Where to get your book:
Junior Ranger books will be available at the Kelly House Museum of Transportation (1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865) during operating hours. The Museum is opened seasonally from April to October.

Books are also available at Old Slater Mill (67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860) and Roger Williams National Memorial (282 North Main St., Providence, RI). If you are visiting in the off season or would like to get a head start on your books, you can request copies be mailed to your home address by reaching out to Ranger Allison Horrocks.

How to get your badge:
Once you have completed your book, return it to park staff at either the Kelly House Museum of Transportation or Old Slater Mill to receive your badge. You can also mail in your completed book to:
Blackstone River Valley NHP
67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket RI 02860

MJ Robinson, a Providence-based artist, spent months processing the history and aesthetic of the site, creating drafts and sketches, and final works of art that express the complexity of the Blackstone Valley. This remarkable project was managed by the Rhode Island Historical Society in collaboration with the National Park Service.

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A. Houlis/NPS

Revolutionary Junior Ranger

July 4, 2026 will mark 250 years since the passage of the Declaration of Independence. By the time that General George Washington was inaugurated as President of the United States, nearly fourteen years later, a new revolution was brewing along the banks of the Blackstone River: the Industrial Revolution.

The United States was both a new and young country during the age of revolutions. Therefore, this Revolutionary Junior Ranger activity website focuses on the contributions of young people during this critical era.

Though no battles of the Revolutionary War took place in the Blackstone River Valley, community members who lived along "the hardest working river in America" made numerous and varied sacrifices for independence. Learn about their stories and some of the ways they witnessed and made history.

Where to get your book:

The Revolutionary Junior Ranger activities are currently online-only. Get started by following this link: Revolutionary Junior Ranger

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Junior Pollinator Program

Did you know that there are pollinator gardens at Roger Williams National Memorial, Slater Mill, and the Kelly House in Blackstone River State Park?
Learn about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to protect them through this new stewardship program.

Where to get your book:

Books are available at Old Slater Mill (67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860) and Roger Williams National Memorial (282 North Main St., Providence, RI). If you are visiting in the off season or would like to get a head start on your books, you can request copies be mailed to your home address by reaching out to Ranger Allison Horrocks.

How to get your badge:

This program does not have a traditional Junior Ranger badge. Instead, you will receive a piece of colorful seed paper that you can plant at home.
Once you have completed your book, return it to park staff at Old Slater Mill to receive your badge. You can also mail in your completed book to:
Blackstone River Valley NHP
67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket RI 02860